Sometimes in the Popfad journey of discovering fresh sounds, the music found doesn’t quite fit the same genre or sound, but it’s all good. In this, it shows the diversity of musical sounds that still land right in the ears. The three songs in this round-up might not fit on the same playlist, but they’re some of the most intriguing recent releases the Popfad team has found in the last week. Check them out!
Maithili Raelle – I CHOOSE ME feat. Hiii Siddity
‘I CHOOSE ME’ is a really strong pop release that has idol energy, with collaboration that brings some rap influences to the table. Maithili Raelle does well at carrying the core of the track, a distinct mix of rhythm and melody that plays with the top-tier production to truly jump out. Then, Hiii Siddity jumps in with her rapping, which provides a distinct punch and strong flow. The percussion in this track takes the stage in the instrumentation to provide a strong, driving beat, and the synthy production gives a bit of a groove and a great, danceable bass flow. Lyrically, this track is about confidence. It’s about choosing oneself over others and owning one’s life and power. But it’s also about connection and having a crew to roll with.
Ren Barlow – Beautiful Lady
‘Beautiful Lady’ pulls the energy back and instead delivers a really softly delivered pop track with an acoustic ballad nature. The instrumentation pulls the music slowly along, as the mix allows several guitar layers to jump out with absolute clarity. Then, there’s a slow build before a percussive climax that’s driven by shakers to take the stage. The vocals are soft in a way that delivers an emotional performance, and they do well at not overtaking the mix while not being drowned out at the same time. This track provides a slow build to its climax before a fade back into absolute softness. Lyrically, ‘Beautiful Lady’ seems to be about motherhood and seeing the pain of their child. The voice of this mother has to leave this child for a day, but seeing the hurt their child has from having to be away from their mother causes her to also be emotional.
Dr. GO – Heart of Gold
Dr. GO is back at it again, now with the track ‘Heart of Gold.’ This track does a lot of what Dr. GO does best, which is providing an electronic soundscape that sounds like an adventure through outer space. This one has a vocal in it that mainly focuses on the line “you have a heart of gold.” It does well at jumping in and out through the music, and though it fits the electronic vibe, there’s something so human about the emotion that resonates through it. This track plays well with its highs and lows in a way that builds into that sense of taking a journey, and there’s a really nice groove in the vocals and percussion!
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Robert So
